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The Last Shangri-la Bhutan Tour

(2 Reviews)
Price
From$1,750
Price
From$1,750
November 6, 2024

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    7 Nights / 8 Days
    Availability : Jan 22-Dec 22
    Bangkok, Dacca, Kathmandu, Kolkata & Delhi
    Paro International Airport, Bhutan

    This Last Shangri-la Bhutan Tour will provide you an in-depth view into the ancient way of life and Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions that still thrives in Bhutan today through the western valleys of Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang.

    The-Last-Shangri-la-Bhutan-Tour

    It is a well-paced tour, designed to provide the opportunity to really see Bhutan’s western districts which offer diverse Himalayan mountainous landscapes, rich Buddhist heritage sites including monasteries, temples and Chortens, historical fortresses, and extremely friendly and hospitable people. You will discover the vibrant history of Bhutan by visiting places in Paro like Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpung Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge, and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley.

    In Thimphu, you will see the best places in Thimphu like the Buddha statue facing Thimphu Valley, Thimphu Memorial Chorten, Tashichoo Dzong,

    Tour Details

    This popular Bhutan cultural tour provides an in-depth view into the ancient way of life and rich culture that still thrives in Bhutan today through the western valleys of Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang. It is a well paced tour, designed to provide the opportunity to really savour the unique highlights of Bhutan’s western districts which offer diverse mountainous landscapes, a rich Buddhist heritage including monasteries, temples and chortens, historical fortresses and an extremely hospitable people. You will discover the vibrant history of Bhutan visiting the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley.

    Price Includes

    • English Speaking local guide
    • Accommodations -3-4 Star category of Bhutan Standard: twin sharing.
    • All meals included(American Plan)
    • Entrance Fees
    • Government taxes i.e US$65 per person per night included.
    • Land transportation, airport transfers for passengers as noted not in Bangkok.
    • Driver

    Price Excludes

    • International airfare, Hotels in Bangkok(expenses in Bangkok).
    • Tipping or gratuities to guides and drivers/supporting staff
    • Medical & Personal Insurances.
    • Communications charges.
    • Travel Insurance/Personal Insurance
    • Alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.
    • Hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors.
    • Visa fee US$45 per person for Bhutan
    HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAND OF THE LAST SHANGRILA TOUR

    The ‘The Last Shangrila Tour’ cultural tour explores all of the highlights of Bhutan’s western valleys at a relaxed pace allowing time to really gain the most out of this unique Kingdom. It provies the perfect overview of Bhutan’s rich culture and spectacular scenery.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 Arrive Paro - Thimphu

    The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.

    After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

    Day 2Thimphu

    Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

    If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open only from Friday until mid Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

    Day 3Thimphu - Punakha

    Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

    Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

    Day 4Punakha

    In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.

    Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639, the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. In the 17th century Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country.

    Afterwards drive back into the Punkha valley for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

    Day 5Punakha - Haa

    Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies.

    Afterwards drive to Haa via Chelela Pass where you will enjoy an panoramic views of the Paro and Haa Valleys as well as Mt Jumolhari and the the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. From Chelela drive down through a deep pine forest and into the narrow valley of Haa. Overnight at hotel in Haa.

    Day 6Haa - Paro

    The extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to Tourists. Haa is a picturesque fertile valley ideal for mountain biking and hiking. Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo (white temple and black temple) that was built in the 8th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery. Enjoy strolling around the small and beautiful township of Haa with the option of exploring the valley by bicycle through villages along farmroad (additional US $ 30 bike hire charge applies). In the late afternoon transfer to Paro for overnight.

    Day 7Paro - Hike to Tiger's Nest

    After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.

    In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.

    Day 8Depart Bhutan

    Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.

    Tashi Delek!

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